Top 25 places to visit in Johannesburg

Soweto is a vibrant township that played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, infamous for the 1976 student uprising. Visitors are greeted by a mix of rich cultural heritage and contemporary life, where streets are lined with lively shops, street food vendors, and displays of local art, encapsulating the resilience and spirit of its community. Plan to explore Kliptown and the Vilakazi Street, home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The best time to visit is during local festivals when you can experience traditional music and dance. Take care when navigating the area, as it can be busy and bustling.

Mandela House is the former home of Nelson Mandela, located in the Orlando West township of Soweto. It is a modest yellow structure that became a significant symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle, where Mandela lived with his family from 1946 until his arrest in 1962. The house is now a museum, showcasing personal memorabilia and photographs. A visit here offers insights into Mandela's life and the context of his activism. Allocate an hour to explore the exhibits, and consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. The area can get busy, so early morning is often quieter.

Hartbeespoort Dam is a picturesque reservoir created in the 1920s by the construction of a concrete dam across the Crocodile River, located about 35 kilometres from Pretoria. The dam, which serves both recreational and agricultural purposes, is framed by the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range, offering stunning views and numerous water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding area, particularly at the nearby Elephant Sanctuary and the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, which provides panoramic views of the region. The area can get busy on weekends, so visiting during weekdays can provide a more tranquil experience.

Sun City is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Gold Reef City is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Apartheid Museum is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Cradle of Humankind is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Aha Lesedi Cultural Village is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Constitution Hill is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Newtown is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Hillbrow Tower is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Johannesburg Zoo is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Carlton Centre is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Nelson Mandela Bridge is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Liliesleaf is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Museum Africa is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Origins Centre is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Workers' Museum is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Satyagraha House is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

The Playground is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Montecasino Bird Gardens is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

James Hall Museum of Transport is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Johannesburg. The dedicated guide is being written — see Johannesburg experiences that visit it in the meantime.